Moving to Peoria, Arizona

Known as the entertainment hub of the Phoenix metropolitan area, Peoria, Arizona has much to offer its residents and visitors. This desert suburb has everything from spring training games to some of the best lake swimming the Southwest has to offer. But there is much more to Peoria, Arizona than what you can do on a Saturday afternoon. If you are moving here, the following basics will help orient you with your new home town.

• Location: Peoria is 14 miles directly northwest of Phoenix, on the outer edge of the Phoenix metropolitan area. It has an area of 141.7 square miles. Part of both Maricopa and Yavapai Counties, Peoria sits along the banks of both the Agua Fria River and the New River. Small mountains dot the city's northern portion.
• Brief history: Peoria gets its name from the Illinois city of the same name. It is a variation on the Illini word for “raging prairie fire.” It was abundant water that gave rise to this desert community and the agricultural operations that sprouted up there. Canal engineer William J. Murphy, originally of Peoria, Illinois, convinced four other families from his hometown to come west to start a sustainable farming community. The Santa, Prescott, and Phoenix Railroad began running through Peoria in 1895, which contributed significantly to the city's growth. The city experienced a construction boom after World War II, which the mass production of air conditioning units certainly did not discourage. Peoria's incorporation did not occur until 1954.
• Government: Peoria citizens directly elect their mayor. The city consists of six districts. The residents of each elect a single person to represent them on the city council. Peoria also has a city manager. There are several boards and commissions to help guide city policy. The fiscal year 2008 annual budget appropriation was $690 million.
• Demographics: The fourth largest city in Arizona, Peoria has a population of more than 150,000, according to the Census Bureau. This is an increase of over 40,000 people since the 2000 Census. Nearly 38% of households have children under 18. More than 14% of the population is over 65 years of age, while 19.8% of Peoria residents are between 45 and 64, and 30.6% were between 25 and 44 years old. The median household income for Peoria is $52,199.
• Education: Peoria has four high schools and more than 20 elementary schools. While there are no post-secondary schools within Peoria city limits, there are many in the Phoenix metro area that are just a short commute away.
• Things to do: Peoria has three major attractions. One is Lake Pleasant Regional Park, which sits within the scenic Valley of the Sun. Boating, fishing, jet-skiing, and swimming are a few of the many activities the park offers. For those not into splashing around, the Peoria sports complex can be a fine diversion. The park holds events year-round and hosts the Seattle Mariners as well as the San Diego Padres during Spring Training. Space buffs can take in the exhibits housed within the Challenger Space Center of Arizona, which is a working memorial for those lost in the Challenger STS-51L crash.
• Getting around: Since its road system is part of the greater Phoenix grid you will rarely have to worry about getting lost down windy roads, though hilly terrain in northern Peoria makes for curvier roads in that part of town. Otherwise, you can expect a major thoroughfare every mile in the east-west direction. If you seek alternative transportation methods, Peoria offers a fixed-route bus as well as a “dial-a-ride.” Bus commuters can use the city's park and ride facilities if they live beyond walking distance from bus stops.

A booming community

The Phoenix metro area has been rapidly growing for some time. Peoria is ideal for many people because it is proximal to Phoenix without being part of the city. With its scenery, entertainment, history, and community, Peoria is a great move.